Can My Marriage Be Saved (Four Questions to Ask Yourself)

Are you considering getting a divorce from your spouse? You are far from alone. The American Psychological Association (APA) cites data showing that more than 40 percent of first marriages end in divorce. To be clear, some couples who are going through challenging times can still save their marriage. For others, a divorce might be the best path forward. Here, our Clearwater divorce lawyer highlights four questions to ask yourself if you are trying to determine whether or not your marriage can still be saved.

Question #1: Do Both You and Your Spouse Actually Want to Save the Marriage? 

Marriage takes commitment—from both parties. If one spouse does not actually want to put forward the effort to fix the marriage, then the relationship may not be one that is worth preserving. To answer this question, you need to make an honest assessment of your intentions and your spouse’s intentions. It is crucial to determine if there is mutual interest in continuing the marriage. The reality is that one-sided efforts rarely succeed in mending marital issues. You and your spouse may need to have a difficult conversation.

 Question #2: Is there Still a Fundamental Foundation of Love and Respect? 

A healthy marriage requires a fundamental and sturdy foundation of love, respect, and compassion. Without it, a marriage cannot truly thrive. Both parties deserve love and respect from their spouse. With that in mind, you should assess the underlying emotional and ethical pillars of your relationship. Remember, love and respect are essential for any healthy relationship. You should reflect on whether these foundational elements are still present and strong enough to rebuild upon.

Question #3: Are there Any “Deal Breakers” that Cannot Be Fixed? 

What are your biggest marital problems? Are there any “deal breakers” that simply cannot be fixed? If so, that may be a sign that the marriage is not worth saving and that divorce is the best available option. You should try to identify any major issues or boundaries that have been crossed, such as infidelity, abuse, or fundamental disagreements on life choices. Consider whether these “dealbreakers” are resolvable or if they represent insurmountable obstacles to reconciliation.

 Question #4: Are You Willing to Put in the Time and Effort to Improve Communication? 

Mending a marriage is not easy. Even if both you and your spouse have the absolute best of intentions, it can be extremely difficult. You need to ask yourself if you are willing to invest the time and effort to improve communication and fix the relationship. You should evaluate your readiness to engage in deeper, more effective communication. Improving communication requires consistent effort, patience, and often, professional guidance such as counseling.

 Contact Our Clearwater Divorce Attorney Today

At the Law Office of Gale H. Moore P.A., our Florida divorce attorney is skilled, experienced, and solutions-focused. If you have any questions about divorce or other family law matters, please do not hesitate to contact us today. With a law office in Clearwater, we handle contested and uncontested divorce cases in Pinellas County and throughout the wider region.

Source:

apa.org/monitor/2013/04/marriage